Garataka - "Iesajūdzu treju jūgu"
The Garataka folklore group consists of 15 families – children, youths and adults – who have been making music and celebrating seasonal festivals together for 12 years, uniting more than 50 people in joy and shared curiosity. The group has released an album, titled Izmeklētas meldijas un tādā garā (Select melodies and so on), which is a real feast for lovers of rare as well as popular folk melodies. Dedicated to Garataka’s ten-year anniversary in 2022, the album includes 17 carefully selected songs that reflect traditions from the 20th century, both the a cappella singing of the countryside as well as tunes played at urban dances. The album has a fresh and lively sound and the songs are performed in Latvian, Latgalian, and Ukrainian, thanks to a Ukrainian member joining the group.
The song “Iesajūdzu treju jūgu” (I harnessed three horses) from Garataka’s album is a truly joyful and energetic piece that invites listeners to revel in the joy and delight. The song combines the strength of tradition with a fresh new approach to folk music that characterises the creative spirit of Garataka and perfectly illustrates how the simplicity and rhythm of songs can create a true sense of joy and togetherness, which is at the core of Garataka’s musical essence.